What do you think?
Rate this book
Rejected Mates of The Shelter #1
Broken Wolf
I grew up being told how wonderful it will be once I find my true mate. How everything will fall into place and we'll be inseperable.
When I see him for the first time, that's exactly how it feels; wonderful. I wait, day after day, for him to gain the courage to approach me as girls fawn over him.
Until the day everything changes and he finally claims me. Except, he doesn't. He leaves me wrecked and half-dressed in a broom closet, leaving me no choice but to hide until darkness falls so I can escape to the only safe place for rejected mates like me: the shelter.
Nine months later and along comes baby, but we struggle. Boy do we struggle. The shelter is safe, but it's far from luxurious. But we make do and we're mostly happy. He's beautiful, and he's my world.
So why do the rest of my mates show up out of the blue and demand to become part of it?
This is a rejected-mates reverse harem with a HEA. Stand alone, 18+
When I see him for the first time, that's exactly how it feels; wonderful. I wait, day after day, for him to gain the courage to approach me as girls fawn over him.
Until the day everything changes and he finally claims me. Except, he doesn't. He leaves me wrecked and half-dressed in a broom closet, leaving me no choice but to hide until darkness falls so I can escape to the only safe place for rejected mates like me: the shelter.
Nine months later and along comes baby, but we struggle. Boy do we struggle. The shelter is safe, but it's far from luxurious. But we make do and we're mostly happy. He's beautiful, and he's my world.
So why do the rest of my mates show up out of the blue and demand to become part of it?
This is a rejected-mates reverse harem with a HEA. Stand alone, 18+
315 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 28, 2021
1618 people are currently reading
982 people want to read
About the author
Kelsey Soliz
52 books234 followersKelsey Soliz is a homeschooling mama of four and army wife, and when she's not drinking copious amounts of tea or playing bassoon, she is dreaming up all kinds of romance story scapes or reading them like a maniac.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 261 reviews
August 24, 2023
3.5 ⭐️
The beginning was 5 ⭐️ for me and then it went downhill toward the mid/end.
✔️ Shifter romance
✔️ Fated mates
✔️ RH
✔️ Single mom
✔️ Second chance romance
✔️ Worshiping heroes
✔️ One of the best child ever written in a book
✔️ Hate to love
I’m not the biggest fan of the way the story concludes, especially because I feel like the plot became overly complex for nothing toward 60% of the book. The last fight was too dragged and extended for my liking.
That being said, I’ll gladly read more books by this author though, I’m quite fascinated with her take on PNR books. It’s refreshing.
The beginning was 5 ⭐️ for me and then it went downhill toward the mid/end.
✔️ Shifter romance
✔️ Fated mates
✔️ RH
✔️ Single mom
✔️ Second chance romance
✔️ Worshiping heroes
✔️ One of the best child ever written in a book
✔️ Hate to love
I’m not the biggest fan of the way the story concludes, especially because I feel like the plot became overly complex for nothing toward 60% of the book. The last fight was too dragged and extended for my liking.
That being said, I’ll gladly read more books by this author though, I’m quite fascinated with her take on PNR books. It’s refreshing.
August 7, 2022
2-2.5 Stars
This started out alright with the rejection (although it literally starts with the rejection and IMO, we needed some introduction/set up to establish a connection to really feel the pain) but then everyone started crying and things went sideways a bit. **Some Spoilers**
This started out alright with the rejection (although it literally starts with the rejection and IMO, we needed some introduction/set up to establish a connection to really feel the pain) but then everyone started crying and things went sideways a bit. **Some Spoilers**
December 5, 2021
Solid start, then.... I don't even know.
Ada meets her fated mate in her senior year of high school, but they never interact and he doesn't acknowledge her as his mate, meanwhile he is continuing to be Mr. Flirty McFlirting Pants. One day he pulls her aside, has the smex with her, rejects her, and leaves her in the closet. As a rejected mate, she has to leave her family and pack and go to a sanctuary where she will heal or whatever. However, Ada ends up pregnant and 7 years later the rest of her mates show up wanting in her and her son's lives.
So, the concept was intriguing.... then all her mates showed up and started crying.
Then she rolled over and gave into them after like 5 minutes of being angry and pissed off for what happened to her (she deserved her anger, IJS)
Then, after he basically assaulted her, she just forgives the guy who rejected her and essentially ruined her life. Granted, it really wasn't his fault, but still.
Then the crazy beeeeep (the one really responsible for ruining her life) turns her other mates against her and Ada finds herself once again thrown out like yesterdays trash.
Then they bang it all out and it fixes all their problems and they live happily ever after, until an extended multiple chapter long bang-a-thon.
My biggest issue with this book was Ada. She started out as this strong AF mommabear doing her thugthizzle taking care of her boy and making a life for herself. Then the guys show up and she's hesitant and trying to open herself up to them. Then out of nowhere, she kind of turns into a hussy with nothing but smex on the brain. Then she's this bossybitch on a power trip. There wasn't a smooth transition between her multitude of personalities, it just changes from one chapter to the next.
Also, it was just SO. MUCH. DRAMA. They figure out what's going on and why Aero did what he did and figure out a way to fix it, then crazybitch does a sneak attack and its this long drawn out process of fixing everything, when really all they had to do was bumptheuglies.
I think a better reasoning for Daria's actions would have maybe explained all her crazy a little better? I mean, she really put a lot of thought and effort into all her plotting and manipulating and a lot of it seemed targeted at Ada. Actually, all of it was targeted at Ada and it was personal, but she didn't know Ada before she started doing all her crazy plotting. It just seems like a lot for a bunch of mates that aren't interested in you and like Ada said, dating sites. It was solid advice, imo.
Anyways. The idea was great, it just how it all played out, it was just meh. Not to mention there were quite a few typos in there. Missing spaces between words, excessive commas, We're instead of Were.. simple stuff that overall is probably easily overlooked, but to me it is annoying.
The first half is pretty good, but after that it just kind turns into a bunch of crazy nonsense...
Ada meets her fated mate in her senior year of high school, but they never interact and he doesn't acknowledge her as his mate, meanwhile he is continuing to be Mr. Flirty McFlirting Pants. One day he pulls her aside, has the smex with her, rejects her, and leaves her in the closet. As a rejected mate, she has to leave her family and pack and go to a sanctuary where she will heal or whatever. However, Ada ends up pregnant and 7 years later the rest of her mates show up wanting in her and her son's lives.
So, the concept was intriguing.... then all her mates showed up and started crying.
Then she rolled over and gave into them after like 5 minutes of being angry and pissed off for what happened to her (she deserved her anger, IJS)
Then, after he basically assaulted her, she just forgives the guy who rejected her and essentially ruined her life. Granted, it really wasn't his fault, but still.
Then the crazy beeeeep (the one really responsible for ruining her life) turns her other mates against her and Ada finds herself once again thrown out like yesterdays trash.
Then they bang it all out and it fixes all their problems and they live happily ever after, until an extended multiple chapter long bang-a-thon.
My biggest issue with this book was Ada. She started out as this strong AF mommabear doing her thugthizzle taking care of her boy and making a life for herself. Then the guys show up and she's hesitant and trying to open herself up to them. Then out of nowhere, she kind of turns into a hussy with nothing but smex on the brain. Then she's this bossybitch on a power trip. There wasn't a smooth transition between her multitude of personalities, it just changes from one chapter to the next.
Also, it was just SO. MUCH. DRAMA. They figure out what's going on and why Aero did what he did and figure out a way to fix it, then crazybitch does a sneak attack and its this long drawn out process of fixing everything, when really all they had to do was bumptheuglies.
I think a better reasoning for Daria's actions would have maybe explained all her crazy a little better? I mean, she really put a lot of thought and effort into all her plotting and manipulating and a lot of it seemed targeted at Ada. Actually, all of it was targeted at Ada and it was personal, but she didn't know Ada before she started doing all her crazy plotting. It just seems like a lot for a bunch of mates that aren't interested in you and like Ada said, dating sites. It was solid advice, imo.
Anyways. The idea was great, it just how it all played out, it was just meh. Not to mention there were quite a few typos in there. Missing spaces between words, excessive commas, We're instead of Were.. simple stuff that overall is probably easily overlooked, but to me it is annoying.
The first half is pretty good, but after that it just kind turns into a bunch of crazy nonsense...
December 1, 2021
Even wattpads most cringest book is better than this
March 25, 2023
This was fun, but I did skim a bit here and there when the pacing got slow, and the sexy times...
I'm not a fan of RH books, especially when there's 5 guys. It's just too many to keep track of. And don't even bother to try to make sense of the world building needed where every gal needs several guys... what do the 40% of the population (all women) do when they don't get mates??
But anyways,
At the start of the book Ada gets rejected not long after her 18th birthday by her true mate, Aero(not the chocolate bar) at high school. It's pretty cold and mean but there was no buildup to her being his mate. I didn't feel the connection so the rejection was kinda meh. I felt more sad that her parents didn't have her back. That sucked!
So Ada ends up at the home for rejected mates. Why were there only women at the rejected home??
-sigh- just don't read this one for the world building. Cause there really isn't any.
If you're like me you're just jonesing for some angst and grovel. And that you WILL find in this one.
Aero's brothers (Holland, Tegan, McKinley and Echo) come across Ada working at a diner 6ish years later. She has a son from the one time Aero had sex with her (almost rape really). They had no idea about her or that Aero had met her already and rejected her.
But when they talk her into (very reluctantly) returning home with them, we get to meet the resident evil OW, Daria. I don't think I'm spoiling anything because she's so obvious, she might as well be wearing a t-shirt proclaiming it.
There's more to what went down in the past than Ada had at first thought.
I thought the OW got away with too much too easily and too obviously, but it was entertaining when it wasn't frustrating. But she will get her just desserts. The ending was kinda lackluster though. I was hoping for more intrigue but it was pretty straight forward and the author chose to just have a lot of sexy times filler instead.
Safety is OK but not really the guy's faults.
I'm not a fan of RH books, especially when there's 5 guys. It's just too many to keep track of. And don't even bother to try to make sense of the world building needed where every gal needs several guys... what do the 40% of the population (all women) do when they don't get mates??
But anyways,
At the start of the book Ada gets rejected not long after her 18th birthday by her true mate, Aero(not the chocolate bar) at high school. It's pretty cold and mean but there was no buildup to her being his mate. I didn't feel the connection so the rejection was kinda meh. I felt more sad that her parents didn't have her back. That sucked!
So Ada ends up at the home for rejected mates. Why were there only women at the rejected home??
-sigh- just don't read this one for the world building. Cause there really isn't any.
If you're like me you're just jonesing for some angst and grovel. And that you WILL find in this one.
Aero's brothers (Holland, Tegan, McKinley and Echo) come across Ada working at a diner 6ish years later. She has a son from the one time Aero had sex with her (almost rape really). They had no idea about her or that Aero had met her already and rejected her.
But when they talk her into (very reluctantly) returning home with them, we get to meet the resident evil OW, Daria. I don't think I'm spoiling anything because she's so obvious, she might as well be wearing a t-shirt proclaiming it.
There's more to what went down in the past than Ada had at first thought.
I thought the OW got away with too much too easily and too obviously, but it was entertaining when it wasn't frustrating. But she will get her just desserts. The ending was kinda lackluster though. I was hoping for more intrigue but it was pretty straight forward and the author chose to just have a lot of sexy times filler instead.
Safety is OK but not really the guy's faults.
December 10, 2021
DNF @ 11%
Good idea poorly executed.
I enjoyed the different type of jump point for this rejected mates story, but it was poorly written and I was unable to connect as a result. It felt like a first draft, sometimes even like a basic outline. Dialogue was clipped and too direct lacking individual characters’ voices. The prose was bare bones and scattered at times. The world building was non-existent and confusing. The progression of events felt almost listed at times. The guys were feeling jumbled within a chapter as they were not introduced in a way to make any of them stand out. They were only described when they were altogether which meant reading through four character descriptions back to back of siblings who look nearly the same. This was also the first time I’ve ever said “Really HE’S the Alpha.” Because it was mentioned so casually and literally nothing at all in his initial introduction or POV implied it to make it believable. I saw where the story was going early and I have no interest in the story’s development to continue trying to make sense of the choppy writing.
2.0 stars, 50%, D
(rated higher for the original idea not for the quality)
Good idea poorly executed.
I enjoyed the different type of jump point for this rejected mates story, but it was poorly written and I was unable to connect as a result. It felt like a first draft, sometimes even like a basic outline. Dialogue was clipped and too direct lacking individual characters’ voices. The prose was bare bones and scattered at times. The world building was non-existent and confusing. The progression of events felt almost listed at times. The guys were feeling jumbled within a chapter as they were not introduced in a way to make any of them stand out. They were only described when they were altogether which meant reading through four character descriptions back to back of siblings who look nearly the same. This was also the first time I’ve ever said “Really HE’S the Alpha.” Because it was mentioned so casually and literally nothing at all in his initial introduction or POV implied it to make it believable. I saw where the story was going early and I have no interest in the story’s development to continue trying to make sense of the choppy writing.
2.0 stars, 50%, D
(rated higher for the original idea not for the quality)
Read
May 13, 2022DNF at 60%
The idea is good but the execution of it wasn't working for me. It all started with crying alpha males and went downhill from there.
The idea is good but the execution of it wasn't working for me. It all started with crying alpha males and went downhill from there.
November 1, 2021
So, first things first, I rate this book with 4 stars. I loved it. It wasn't perfect. There were things I don't liked that much. But in the end, it's the feeling the book leaves me in. And I know there are always people, who agree or disagree. Everyone likes different things.
But let's start with my thoughts and opinion to the book. I have read other books from the author as well, and I'm part of her group. So, I know I don't have to take it too serious. ;) Some things are just meant to be funny. But for me, some of that, rub me the wrong way.
I don't want to sum up the book or do spoilers, but there will be some things mentioned. So, be aware of that. And please, keep in mind, I loved the book. Even, if what I say now may sound like a little rant.
But how can it be, that his pack brothers don't see any difference in Aero? We know, that Ada is rejected by him during sex, but he states he wasn't in his right mind. As soon as you see Daria, you know it's her. But I mean, they lived together. How could it be, that no one saw anything?
And later, why not just talk about Daria with Ada? As soon as Aero told his brothers about his suspicions, what was pretty late. Because he knew for years, apparently, that she was messing with him somehow. But he never confides in his brothers at first. And he knew that she was crazy. And that she is a half wolf and doesn't have fated mates. Though, it was never explained why that's the case. Or if she has a wolf side or not? But I would have thought they would warn Ada about her. I mean, why give her a chance to meddle? It didn't make sense to me. But ok.
And then the first conscious meet-up with Aero... I'm happy they got it out of the way, and he claimed her. But... she hasn't had much time with him, and it seems kind of unfair to the others.
And a lot of the dramatic and problems felt more like artificially expanded, just to don't solve the story too soon. I mean, Aero knows that being mated protects them from Daria's meddling. But instead of mate them all, although they don't have much conflict after the mating with Aero, they just let it slide. I get it, they want to give her more time. But as soon as it is clear, Daria is the problem, why not mating? I mean, in the end Ada did it in the same situation to prevent Daria's intentions.
And sometimes I don't like how Ada is thinking. I know a lot is due to the life she had before. As someone unwanted. But she knows she is the fated mate. But luckily, she grows more confident during the story.
The part I hated most, was when Daria got her claws in the guys. But it was strange to me, that she didn't do it from the beginning. Apparently she is powerful enough to influence more people. She makes them forget anything she wants. And just like that, they don't remember anything? I mean, Aero knew something was off. Why don't the others?
They are all rescued one by one. Only after that, the last face off between Ada and Daria wasn't what I would have thought. I mean, Ada held a little speech and then gives her the right to fight with her. Without shifting. There was no reason to do that. It was clear that Daria isn't capable of playing fair. So, why give her the chance to do so? Unnecessarily dramatic. And after that, Ada was on some kind of strange power trip? I get it, that the guys want to help her to feel secure and all. And like I said, it probably was meant to be funny. But she makes them beg. Because the men were influenced by Daria (like they wanted her to). But she should know better. Ada herself was under the influence of her. Her mates couldn't be held responsible for that. And other strange stuff... Fumigate the house and perform exorcism on it?
A lot of things... But still I loved the story. It was unique. I like the way Kelsey Soliz writes. And there were a lot of funny scenes between her and the guys. I liked the characters. They have their traits and flaws and all.
I really wished that there were an epilogue too. I wanted to know about future children and thought Ada would do something about the way rejected mates were treated and the shelter. She at least has friends there. But, sometimes you do have to take what you get. I still enjoyed the book.
But let's start with my thoughts and opinion to the book. I have read other books from the author as well, and I'm part of her group. So, I know I don't have to take it too serious. ;) Some things are just meant to be funny. But for me, some of that, rub me the wrong way.
I don't want to sum up the book or do spoilers, but there will be some things mentioned. So, be aware of that. And please, keep in mind, I loved the book. Even, if what I say now may sound like a little rant.
But how can it be, that his pack brothers don't see any difference in Aero? We know, that Ada is rejected by him during sex, but he states he wasn't in his right mind. As soon as you see Daria, you know it's her. But I mean, they lived together. How could it be, that no one saw anything?
And later, why not just talk about Daria with Ada? As soon as Aero told his brothers about his suspicions, what was pretty late. Because he knew for years, apparently, that she was messing with him somehow. But he never confides in his brothers at first. And he knew that she was crazy. And that she is a half wolf and doesn't have fated mates. Though, it was never explained why that's the case. Or if she has a wolf side or not? But I would have thought they would warn Ada about her. I mean, why give her a chance to meddle? It didn't make sense to me. But ok.
And then the first conscious meet-up with Aero... I'm happy they got it out of the way, and he claimed her. But... she hasn't had much time with him, and it seems kind of unfair to the others.
And a lot of the dramatic and problems felt more like artificially expanded, just to don't solve the story too soon. I mean, Aero knows that being mated protects them from Daria's meddling. But instead of mate them all, although they don't have much conflict after the mating with Aero, they just let it slide. I get it, they want to give her more time. But as soon as it is clear, Daria is the problem, why not mating? I mean, in the end Ada did it in the same situation to prevent Daria's intentions.
And sometimes I don't like how Ada is thinking. I know a lot is due to the life she had before. As someone unwanted. But she knows she is the fated mate. But luckily, she grows more confident during the story.
The part I hated most, was when Daria got her claws in the guys. But it was strange to me, that she didn't do it from the beginning. Apparently she is powerful enough to influence more people. She makes them forget anything she wants. And just like that, they don't remember anything? I mean, Aero knew something was off. Why don't the others?
They are all rescued one by one. Only after that, the last face off between Ada and Daria wasn't what I would have thought. I mean, Ada held a little speech and then gives her the right to fight with her. Without shifting. There was no reason to do that. It was clear that Daria isn't capable of playing fair. So, why give her the chance to do so? Unnecessarily dramatic. And after that, Ada was on some kind of strange power trip? I get it, that the guys want to help her to feel secure and all. And like I said, it probably was meant to be funny. But she makes them beg. Because the men were influenced by Daria (like they wanted her to). But she should know better. Ada herself was under the influence of her. Her mates couldn't be held responsible for that. And other strange stuff... Fumigate the house and perform exorcism on it?
A lot of things... But still I loved the story. It was unique. I like the way Kelsey Soliz writes. And there were a lot of funny scenes between her and the guys. I liked the characters. They have their traits and flaws and all.
I really wished that there were an epilogue too. I wanted to know about future children and thought Ada would do something about the way rejected mates were treated and the shelter. She at least has friends there. But, sometimes you do have to take what you get. I still enjoyed the book.
December 16, 2023
If I had to read this sentence so do you
“McKinley and Aero pull out of me, leaving my vagina to finally gape and suck in air, trying to not drown amidst all the male juice they just fed her. Poor girl.”
“McKinley and Aero pull out of me, leaving my vagina to finally gape and suck in air, trying to not drown amidst all the male juice they just fed her. Poor girl.”
January 8, 2022
It started SOOOO good and then it went downhill for me. It just turned into a bad porn and the storyline went off course. Ada's character got lost, the men all broke their promises because they dragged Daria's situation for way too long. They promised to protect her and never abonden her. Ada's character has flip switch character where she goes from awesome, strong, mama bear to what felt like a sex addict and then some power tripping chick.
Ada was rejected by her mate Aero when she was barely 18. He also told her that the pack also rejects her- pack brothers all mated to her. Ashamed she left that same day to the a safe house for rejects. She gave birth and barely scraped by for years. I Almost 7 years later, while working in a restaurant she comes across the rest of her mates. After some back and forth she agrees to go back with them in order to give her son Caleb a better life. The men work to show her affection and to correct the mistake their brother made. Then Daria comes into picture and the book turns into low grade porn..
The big issue for me was whole Daria situation. Ada never confronted the males about her. She stayed quite because she didn't want them to think she is jealous even after finding marking papers for Daria and the men.
Ada just left her kid so she can mate with her men in order to bring them out of trance. This felt so off! First of all she is such a mama bear that it felt out of her character not to be there with her son. Especially considering he was meeting his grandparents for the first time.
The whole plan to get her men out of Daria's influence felt like a bad porn. They had potions but she had sex with all of them while they were telling her how much they love Daria. Seriously how does that put her in the mood....
I am not a prude but some scenes were just way over the top. It felt like the storyline got lost and adjusted just to include sex scenes. For example Holland and his brothers punishing Ada with spankings and rough sex bc she left them after they were all influenced by the witch. He actually had her apologize to them 🤯 and she took the punishment bc you know spankings are "hot"...this scene made no sense. The men were acting like Ada ran away. This made me not like any of them. Holland should have been on his knees apologizing to her for breaking all of his promises to her!! The other men should have bareted themselves for not being able to protect her like they promised.
She mates the men because she understood that they were influenced. So it makes no sense that she is making them literally beg her for forgiveness after this. She mated them, that should mean she forgave them.
Ada was rejected by her mate Aero when she was barely 18. He also told her that the pack also rejects her- pack brothers all mated to her. Ashamed she left that same day to the a safe house for rejects. She gave birth and barely scraped by for years. I Almost 7 years later, while working in a restaurant she comes across the rest of her mates. After some back and forth she agrees to go back with them in order to give her son Caleb a better life. The men work to show her affection and to correct the mistake their brother made. Then Daria comes into picture and the book turns into low grade porn..
The big issue for me was whole Daria situation. Ada never confronted the males about her. She stayed quite because she didn't want them to think she is jealous even after finding marking papers for Daria and the men.
Ada just left her kid so she can mate with her men in order to bring them out of trance. This felt so off! First of all she is such a mama bear that it felt out of her character not to be there with her son. Especially considering he was meeting his grandparents for the first time.
The whole plan to get her men out of Daria's influence felt like a bad porn. They had potions but she had sex with all of them while they were telling her how much they love Daria. Seriously how does that put her in the mood....
I am not a prude but some scenes were just way over the top. It felt like the storyline got lost and adjusted just to include sex scenes. For example Holland and his brothers punishing Ada with spankings and rough sex bc she left them after they were all influenced by the witch. He actually had her apologize to them 🤯 and she took the punishment bc you know spankings are "hot"...this scene made no sense. The men were acting like Ada ran away. This made me not like any of them. Holland should have been on his knees apologizing to her for breaking all of his promises to her!! The other men should have bareted themselves for not being able to protect her like they promised.
She mates the men because she understood that they were influenced. So it makes no sense that she is making them literally beg her for forgiveness after this. She mated them, that should mean she forgave them.
November 4, 2021
You know sometimes when you find those authors whose every book somehow just always manages to be your favorite type of book? That's Kelsey Soliz for me! It began with Hemlock Academy and I've been devouring her books ever since.
Broken Wolf is the story of Ada and her tumultuous relationship with her mates. When she first realized that the boy at her high school was her mate at 18, she kept waiting for him to approach her while watching him suck face with other girls across the cafeteria. One day he does find her, but he doesn't treat her well and rejects her. She is left to abandon her life and walk to the shelter for rejected and widowed wolves completely devastated because rejection doesn't just mean you lose your mates--you also eventually lose your wolf. Anyway, nine months later baby Cedar comes along and the two carve out a little life for themselves at the shelter. That is, until one day her other mates find out about her and start to heal her broken heart.
I won't say what else goes on, but it's not the typical rejected wolf story and I absolutely loved it. The redemption of the guys, the funny moments sprinkled throughout... It's exactly my type of book. I will say there is insta-lust/love because of the fated mates thing. I love that but I know it's not what other people may like, though Ada gives them a run for their money by not giving in easily.
And can I just say how much I like her? Sure, she was stubborn and could come across as a b**** if you don't understand that it's a defense mechanism, but she also persevered through everything and I think she had some good character growth throughout the book, which impressed me because it is only one book. That being said, because this is a standalone, the men's characters sometimes left a tad bit 2-D, if that makes sense. Some of them were fleshed out, but I just don't think there was the time to delve deep into the men's stories and learn about each of them more than the basics. If this was a series and the men were still like this, then I would be bothered, but this format excuses it in my mind.
I was looking for something happy and heartwarming with all the stress from my midterms in grad school, and Broken Wolf was exactly what I needed. If you're a fan of Katie May, Collette Rhodes, Reese Rivers, CM Stunich, J Kearston, Lane Whitt, or Stacy Jones, definitely pick this one up and go check out Kelsey Soliz's earlier works while you're at it! As for me, I can't wait to read her next book Monsters Under My Bed!
Broken Wolf is the story of Ada and her tumultuous relationship with her mates. When she first realized that the boy at her high school was her mate at 18, she kept waiting for him to approach her while watching him suck face with other girls across the cafeteria. One day he does find her, but he doesn't treat her well and rejects her. She is left to abandon her life and walk to the shelter for rejected and widowed wolves completely devastated because rejection doesn't just mean you lose your mates--you also eventually lose your wolf. Anyway, nine months later baby Cedar comes along and the two carve out a little life for themselves at the shelter. That is, until one day her other mates find out about her and start to heal her broken heart.
I won't say what else goes on, but it's not the typical rejected wolf story and I absolutely loved it. The redemption of the guys, the funny moments sprinkled throughout... It's exactly my type of book. I will say there is insta-lust/love because of the fated mates thing. I love that but I know it's not what other people may like, though Ada gives them a run for their money by not giving in easily.
And can I just say how much I like her? Sure, she was stubborn and could come across as a b**** if you don't understand that it's a defense mechanism, but she also persevered through everything and I think she had some good character growth throughout the book, which impressed me because it is only one book. That being said, because this is a standalone, the men's characters sometimes left a tad bit 2-D, if that makes sense. Some of them were fleshed out, but I just don't think there was the time to delve deep into the men's stories and learn about each of them more than the basics. If this was a series and the men were still like this, then I would be bothered, but this format excuses it in my mind.
I was looking for something happy and heartwarming with all the stress from my midterms in grad school, and Broken Wolf was exactly what I needed. If you're a fan of Katie May, Collette Rhodes, Reese Rivers, CM Stunich, J Kearston, Lane Whitt, or Stacy Jones, definitely pick this one up and go check out Kelsey Soliz's earlier works while you're at it! As for me, I can't wait to read her next book Monsters Under My Bed!
January 12, 2025
2.5 stars
I really think this was prob closer to a 2 star read for me, but its one of those instances where I can't really pinpoint WHY I didn't really enjoy the story. There were enough inconsistencies to bother me. The doctor telling the FMC that she can't get pregnant without a heat. Who has never had a heat. But has a kid. And a big one for me. THE VILLAINESS HAD SEVEN YEARS TO TO GET THIS PACK AND SPENT IT JUST BEING FRIENDS AND LEARNING THEIR SANDWICH ORDERS. She waits until the FMC returns and then makes a move. Just too many things for me to overlook.
I really think this was prob closer to a 2 star read for me, but its one of those instances where I can't really pinpoint WHY I didn't really enjoy the story. There were enough inconsistencies to bother me. The doctor telling the FMC that she can't get pregnant without a heat. Who has never had a heat. But has a kid. And a big one for me. THE VILLAINESS HAD SEVEN YEARS TO TO GET THIS PACK AND SPENT IT JUST BEING FRIENDS AND LEARNING THEIR SANDWICH ORDERS. She waits until the FMC returns and then makes a move. Just too many things for me to overlook.
April 2, 2022
Inconsistencies in the story…spoilers. read at your own caution.
The book was just OK for me. Somethings didn’t add up for me. For example, the FMC bit her first mate after he bit her to complete the bond. But with the others, she didn’t do any biting to complete the bond with them. Just the males bit her. Did the female only need to bite one and not all five? Did the female only feel the urge with one? Why isn’t the author explaining that. Also, one minute she is explaining to two of her mates that she doesn’t want to use the drugs to break the spell if she doesn’t have to. Then three seconds later that’s exactly what she does with two other mates. They weren’t even trying to leave. I could understand if they were really trying to escape or physically fight. Why tell the readers that you don’t want to use the drugs on your mates and then do just that right after. Silly to me. Also, you lose your mates, your pack, your home, your graduation, your brother, your parents, your safety for seven years and forced raise your son alone in poverty. And two seconds after your mate tells you what happens, you just forgive him like nothing. Don’t get me wrong, I love when people forgive wrongs and move forward together to get the bad guy. But…Basically, she listened to his explanation, accepted it and moved onto the horizontal polka. Is that really the reaction you want from a strong FMC? I think what makes it worse for me is that she made her other mates work for her forgiveness and they didn’t do anything wrong. But the one that was at the heart of it, was so easily accepted. I rather she welcome the others with open arms and forgave the one that slighted her easily or gave all of them in the equally hard time. Just be consistent
The book was just OK for me. Somethings didn’t add up for me. For example, the FMC bit her first mate after he bit her to complete the bond. But with the others, she didn’t do any biting to complete the bond with them. Just the males bit her. Did the female only need to bite one and not all five? Did the female only feel the urge with one? Why isn’t the author explaining that. Also, one minute she is explaining to two of her mates that she doesn’t want to use the drugs to break the spell if she doesn’t have to. Then three seconds later that’s exactly what she does with two other mates. They weren’t even trying to leave. I could understand if they were really trying to escape or physically fight. Why tell the readers that you don’t want to use the drugs on your mates and then do just that right after. Silly to me. Also, you lose your mates, your pack, your home, your graduation, your brother, your parents, your safety for seven years and forced raise your son alone in poverty. And two seconds after your mate tells you what happens, you just forgive him like nothing. Don’t get me wrong, I love when people forgive wrongs and move forward together to get the bad guy. But…Basically, she listened to his explanation, accepted it and moved onto the horizontal polka. Is that really the reaction you want from a strong FMC? I think what makes it worse for me is that she made her other mates work for her forgiveness and they didn’t do anything wrong. But the one that was at the heart of it, was so easily accepted. I rather she welcome the others with open arms and forgave the one that slighted her easily or gave all of them in the equally hard time. Just be consistent
December 6, 2022
I enjoyed the setup and the grovelling in the beginning, but it started getting weird for me once everyone figured out that the OW Daria and was manipulating the whole pack to get her way. It wasn't explained why Daria was so fixated on the FMC Ada's specific mated pack when Daria held all the power as the alpha's niece and could have chosen someone else to pursue for a relationship. The Alpha of the entire pack also seemed a little relaxed about keeping his niece from , and I was very surprised at his casual acceptance that instead of taking responsibility from the beginning.
The villain was quite one-dimensionally and over-the-top evil with the final battle also overly dramatic, and after finishing the book, I couldn't really distinguish most of the men in my mind other than Tegan the alpha and Aero the regretful mess. The other three brothers didn't do anything special to stand out for me, and all of the men's decision to bond was very abrupt as a deux ex machina plot device, which was unsatisfying for me.
I tried the author's Hemlock Academy series, which I had really liked in the first book but quit by the 3rd due to the convoluted plot and inconsistent characters, and it seems like this is a tendency of theirs. I probably won't check out any other books from this author based on my experiences.
The villain was quite one-dimensionally and over-the-top evil with the final battle also overly dramatic, and after finishing the book, I couldn't really distinguish most of the men in my mind other than Tegan the alpha and Aero the regretful mess. The other three brothers didn't do anything special to stand out for me, and all of the men's decision to bond was very abrupt as a deux ex machina plot device, which was unsatisfying for me.
I tried the author's Hemlock Academy series, which I had really liked in the first book but quit by the 3rd due to the convoluted plot and inconsistent characters, and it seems like this is a tendency of theirs. I probably won't check out any other books from this author based on my experiences.
December 19, 2023
3.5⭐️
4🌶
▪️Rejected mate
▪️Drama with OW
▪️Surprise Baby
I enjoyed this so much at the start and then towards the end I was a little underwhelmed. I liked the rejected storyline but not the mind control plot.
4🌶
▪️Rejected mate
▪️Drama with OW
▪️Surprise Baby
I enjoyed this so much at the start and then towards the end I was a little underwhelmed. I liked the rejected storyline but not the mind control plot.
April 6, 2024
DNF @25%. Too painful to continue. Zero connection to any of the characters. Plot made little sense. I've read and enjoyed other books by this author, but this one was a massive miss for me.
April 22, 2022
4.5 ⭐: Amazing! I absolutely love Kelsey Soliz if you couldn't tell from me reading the Hemlock Academy series twice (i.e thinking of reading them again 🤔😆) and I absolutely loved this standalone.
I love werewolf mates stories especially rejection and second chance ones. And Cedar was so cute and such a funny smart kid, how could I not love him too?
I loathe Daria and am so mad at her manipulation going on for far too long. I did hate the guys for their treatment towards Ada especially Aero but they were under Daria's influence so.... still I love the way they made it up too her. Them being bossed around was hilarious 😂
I love the relationship development and their interactions especially with Cedar. Ada's thought process was understandable and I'm glad they got their HEA.
I'm thinking of staring the Territory One series now since I loves all the others books by Kelsey. 🥰
I love werewolf mates stories especially rejection and second chance ones. And Cedar was so cute and such a funny smart kid, how could I not love him too?
I loathe Daria and am so mad at her manipulation going on for far too long. I did hate the guys for their treatment towards Ada especially Aero but they were under Daria's influence so.... still I love the way they made it up too her. Them being bossed around was hilarious 😂
I love the relationship development and their interactions especially with Cedar. Ada's thought process was understandable and I'm glad they got their HEA.
I'm thinking of staring the Territory One series now since I loves all the others books by Kelsey. 🥰
December 13, 2021
Ada meets one of her fated mate in high school, but he rejects her. She runs away to a shelter for rejected mates, and nine months later she gives birth to her child. A few years pass, and by coincidence she meets her other mates. This brings to light that something sinister is messing with all of them and that's why she got rejected years ago. Ada now has to protect her newfound family and stop the enemy from messing with them.
I liked the story toward the beginning, but I too felt like the later part of the book was dragged along a little bit too much, and some questions remain unanswered.
I liked the story toward the beginning, but I too felt like the later part of the book was dragged along a little bit too much, and some questions remain unanswered.
May 8, 2022
Rating: 3 Stars
Evil-OW-Drama Galore. There is literally only one antagonist in this story—the other woman. She has some mind control powers which she uses to destroy the FMC’s life, for no reason other than that she wants the FMC’s mates. I skimmed a lot driven by my impatience to see her [OW] get her comeuppance.
The pacing and plot read as erratic and OTT dramatic. The drama from 60% onward could have been easily prevented if the main characters applied the information that was revealed at 51%—this oversight made said additional (preventable) drama feel excessive.
I have read another book by this author—Under the Magnolia—which I did enjoy, and as such I’m open to reading her other works in the future.
Title: Broken Wolf
by Kelsey Soliz
POV(s): Multiple—First Person
Interconnected Series: No
Standalone: Yes
Cliffhanger: No
HEA:
Relationship: Reverse Harem
Genre(s): Paranormal Romance
Triggers: N/A
Tags/Tropes:
❖ Evil-Manipulative-OW
❖ Fated-Mates
❖ Mind-Control
❖ Secret-Child
❖ Seperation (7 years)
❖ Rejected-Mates
❖ Wolf-Shifters
January 10, 2023
3.5 stars...
Good story and plot, I enjoyed it.. however many grammatical errors. And honestly, it felt rushed at times.. also ended without answering things. Like, can she get pregnant again? Again, I did enjoy it, but it lost points for some things.
Reading the other reviews, everyone is on point. It started as a 5 but went downhill as the book went on. I'm not great at reviewing books, but they said exactly what I had been thinking.
Good story and plot, I enjoyed it.. however many grammatical errors. And honestly, it felt rushed at times.. also ended without answering things. Like, can she get pregnant again? Again, I did enjoy it, but it lost points for some things.
Reading the other reviews, everyone is on point. It started as a 5 but went downhill as the book went on. I'm not great at reviewing books, but they said exactly what I had been thinking.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 14, 2023
I actually really enjoyed book, it’s such an easy read and got me out of my reading slump. I’ve been reading so many books with such complicated plots that this was a breath of fresh air. It the writing epic? No. Is the story line the best I’ve ever read? No. But I clearly needed this book in my life right now so I would recommend it
November 3, 2022
Broken Wolf
By Kelsey Soliz
When Ada meets her mate, Aero, she doesn't understand why he doesn't acknowledge her and let's other girls fawn all over him. A month later Aero approaches Ada and takes her into a school broom closet where he takes her virginity and leaves her standing there with nothing but a 'thanks'. When she realizes she's pregnant and her disinterested parents and even her beloved brother will turn their backs on her for being rejected and pregnant she runs away to a rejected wolves shelter where she raises her and Aero's son for years before the rest of her mates find her by accident and try to gain her trust and bring her back home. But fearing more betrayal and rejection by the rest of her mates she fights their wants and tries to protect her son from future hurt and pain.
I very rarely read reverse harem books or triangle books. To me they aren't appealing because the dynamics of the group as a whole are always off, or there's something missing, or someone always feels left out or is left hurting and feeling betrayed. I guess I also basically see it as cheating because I prefer only 2 people in a relationship whether they be m/f or m/m. Just my personal preference. However this book does a pretty good job of blending all the characters together so that no one looks (to us) as being left out. So that's a positive.
The background story is good, but starts to go downhill at a point and becomes to complicated. I hate Daria with a passion. (As we're meant to.) I liked Ada and all her mates. I loved that her mates all had their own personalities and different ways of loving her. Though I wish all the mates got equal page time and schmexxy time with her. I kind of feel like Echo and McKinley were more background noise than anything else. One big thing I had a problem with was that it was implied that her mates are brothers. However we don't find out until the end that they're not blood brothers. They are brothers by choice.
I felt the ending was okay, but not spectacular. I wanted Daria to die v-e-r-y painfully. It was to quick for her to even realize how screwed she was and that she wasn't getting out of it alive. I wasn’t thrilled with a fight
By Kelsey Soliz
When Ada meets her mate, Aero, she doesn't understand why he doesn't acknowledge her and let's other girls fawn all over him. A month later Aero approaches Ada and takes her into a school broom closet where he takes her virginity and leaves her standing there with nothing but a 'thanks'. When she realizes she's pregnant and her disinterested parents and even her beloved brother will turn their backs on her for being rejected and pregnant she runs away to a rejected wolves shelter where she raises her and Aero's son for years before the rest of her mates find her by accident and try to gain her trust and bring her back home. But fearing more betrayal and rejection by the rest of her mates she fights their wants and tries to protect her son from future hurt and pain.
I very rarely read reverse harem books or triangle books. To me they aren't appealing because the dynamics of the group as a whole are always off, or there's something missing, or someone always feels left out or is left hurting and feeling betrayed. I guess I also basically see it as cheating because I prefer only 2 people in a relationship whether they be m/f or m/m. Just my personal preference. However this book does a pretty good job of blending all the characters together so that no one looks (to us) as being left out. So that's a positive.
The background story is good, but starts to go downhill at a point and becomes to complicated. I hate Daria with a passion. (As we're meant to.) I liked Ada and all her mates. I loved that her mates all had their own personalities and different ways of loving her. Though I wish all the mates got equal page time and schmexxy time with her. I kind of feel like Echo and McKinley were more background noise than anything else. One big thing I had a problem with was that it was implied that her mates are brothers. However we don't find out until the end that they're not blood brothers. They are brothers by choice.
I felt the ending was okay, but not spectacular. I wanted Daria to die v-e-r-y painfully. It was to quick for her to even realize how screwed she was and that she wasn't getting out of it alive. I wasn’t thrilled with a fight
April 30, 2024
Author KELSEY SOLIZ: please please please write a bunch of these books!!!
This book sucked me in and I couldn’t stop until its conclusion. Who needs sleep, books are just as good as sleep ;)
Lots of delicious angst
Reading the second book now and it’s just as good. Yikes I’m so excited this author has a bunch of books out and I can’t wait to read them!
Aero: rejector
Tegan: alpha of group
Holland: level headed problem solver
Echo: bad dresser
McKinley: quiet
Upgrading to 10 stars because I just found the audiobook! Sometimes life is absolutely perfect! The narrator is a male and I thought that was a strange choice. I figured at least a duet…but no the narrator is great! Lots of male narrators do female voice in a bratty tone that makes me like the female character less. This narrator doesn’t do that, when voicing the female he sounds almost gender neutral (is that a thing? Asexual?🤷♀️) and that worked for me. No shade to other male narrators I appreciate them voicing all of these chick books for us regardless of what I think of their “female voice”.
There is one part I don’t like maybe I’m a prude but towards the end the pack is taunting an old lady at a restaurant about their sex life. Poor little old lady! Maybe I missed it but I don’t think the lady was mean or judgmental until they started messing with her. Be nice to little old lady’s ’k guys? Little old men too. or just be nice to everyone full stop 😬
This book sucked me in and I couldn’t stop until its conclusion. Who needs sleep, books are just as good as sleep ;)
Lots of delicious angst
Reading the second book now and it’s just as good. Yikes I’m so excited this author has a bunch of books out and I can’t wait to read them!
Aero: rejector
Tegan: alpha of group
Holland: level headed problem solver
Echo: bad dresser
McKinley: quiet
Upgrading to 10 stars because I just found the audiobook! Sometimes life is absolutely perfect! The narrator is a male and I thought that was a strange choice. I figured at least a duet…but no the narrator is great! Lots of male narrators do female voice in a bratty tone that makes me like the female character less. This narrator doesn’t do that, when voicing the female he sounds almost gender neutral (is that a thing? Asexual?🤷♀️) and that worked for me. No shade to other male narrators I appreciate them voicing all of these chick books for us regardless of what I think of their “female voice”.
There is one part I don’t like maybe I’m a prude but towards the end the pack is taunting an old lady at a restaurant about their sex life. Poor little old lady! Maybe I missed it but I don’t think the lady was mean or judgmental until they started messing with her. Be nice to little old lady’s ’k guys? Little old men too. or just be nice to everyone full stop 😬
May 25, 2022
Trainwreck
Holy potatoes. First, I know authors put a lot into their books and I respect that. But Sometimes books need negative reviews. This book is an absolute train wreck. It’s like watching a train about to derail and you don’t want to watch it but you do anyway. There is no character development, at all. The heroine can’t decide what type of person she wants to be. The guys are mind controlled and they have to get on their knees and just ask for a date with her when it’s all over? Um no. The male characters were pretty much the same characters, there could have been one male point of view and you wouldn’t know the difference. Half the time, I couldn’t keep up with the names, all their personalities were exactly the same. And the antagonist was more like a mean girl from high school. The only reason this book gets two stars is becuz of how sweet the guys are. That’s it. Im hoping the author has better work and maybe this is just an early on book that started her career.
Holy potatoes. First, I know authors put a lot into their books and I respect that. But Sometimes books need negative reviews. This book is an absolute train wreck. It’s like watching a train about to derail and you don’t want to watch it but you do anyway. There is no character development, at all. The heroine can’t decide what type of person she wants to be. The guys are mind controlled and they have to get on their knees and just ask for a date with her when it’s all over? Um no. The male characters were pretty much the same characters, there could have been one male point of view and you wouldn’t know the difference. Half the time, I couldn’t keep up with the names, all their personalities were exactly the same. And the antagonist was more like a mean girl from high school. The only reason this book gets two stars is becuz of how sweet the guys are. That’s it. Im hoping the author has better work and maybe this is just an early on book that started her career.
April 10, 2023
Everyone was TSTL
This story starts out with the h getting brutally rejected by one of her mates while having s3x with him for the first time.
She leaves for 7 years, has his kid and bumps into two of her other mates who have no idea she exists. When they find out Mate 1 knew about her and he gives them his reasons for doing what he did, they bring her back with them and isolate him until he can get his sh1t together.
What they do not do is treat the bad guy any differently. The villian in this story is still allowed around them, the h and their kid. This bit bothered me alot. So much so that I almost dnf'd.
Everyone acted like a complete dumba55. And the h who started out as a doormat suddenly becomes a smart talking fighting bada55. There's no character growth here people. It was more like a multiple personality presenting itself randomly.
Just couldn't with this book.
This story starts out with the h getting brutally rejected by one of her mates while having s3x with him for the first time.
She leaves for 7 years, has his kid and bumps into two of her other mates who have no idea she exists. When they find out Mate 1 knew about her and he gives them his reasons for doing what he did, they bring her back with them and isolate him until he can get his sh1t together.
What they do not do is treat the bad guy any differently. The villian in this story is still allowed around them, the h and their kid. This bit bothered me alot. So much so that I almost dnf'd.
Everyone acted like a complete dumba55. And the h who started out as a doormat suddenly becomes a smart talking fighting bada55. There's no character growth here people. It was more like a multiple personality presenting itself randomly.
Just couldn't with this book.
February 27, 2022
DNF @ 30%
I didn’t make it far before I giving but I think I read enough to know how this will go. I think what bothered me the most about this book was when the FMC dumps the story of what happened to her onto 4 of the 5 guys their response was to give her a “what about what WE went through by missing out”. Instead of there being an acknowledgment of the fact brother #5 raped their mate they hit her with a sob story of missing out on the kid growing up. Sorry (not sorry) but that’s so stupid. It feels manipulative and that’s just gross.
I also didn’t like how easily she gave in and how cliché and obvious the bad guy is.
The author has potential but I think better planning would make their writing better.
I didn’t make it far before I giving but I think I read enough to know how this will go. I think what bothered me the most about this book was when the FMC dumps the story of what happened to her onto 4 of the 5 guys their response was to give her a “what about what WE went through by missing out”. Instead of there being an acknowledgment of the fact brother #5 raped their mate they hit her with a sob story of missing out on the kid growing up. Sorry (not sorry) but that’s so stupid. It feels manipulative and that’s just gross.
I also didn’t like how easily she gave in and how cliché and obvious the bad guy is.
The author has potential but I think better planning would make their writing better.
May 8, 2022
I don't normally like rejected mates books but I went into this book blind and basically read it because it was written by Kelsey Soliz, who's best known for the
Hemlock Academy
RH series. At least there were extenuating circumstances for the rejection, but it was still hard to read.
After getting rejected by her mate, Aero, on the last day of high school, Ada basically exiles herself because a rejected mate will be unable to shift and the pack would send her away anyway. However, before Aero rejected her, he did have sex with her (I would say trigger warnings for sexual assault, because that scene felt like rape to me) and she ended up pregnant because a wolf can only be impregnated by a fated mate. I did think Ada was strong because she kept going for her son and was doing the best she could to provide for him and to survive.
Then she runs into the rest of Aero's pack, four wolves who recognise her as their mate instantly and want to be with her. And we get the twist which explains why Aero rejected her.
There were two really big problems in this book. First of all, that whole storyline with why Aero rejected her. He was apparently instigated by a person who wanted Ada out of the picture and wanted Aero for themself. Ada was away for seven years before Aero's pack brothers bumped into her. But in all that seven years, the person hadn't solidified their position with Aero and his pack despite apparently wanting it so badly? What was this person waiting for?
Also, at the point when Ada comes back into Aero's life, it appears that this person really only wants Aero. The other brothers don't have a relationship with this person. Yet at the end of the book, this flipped and the person was trying to take all the other brothers, too. That seemed to come out of nowhere, because this person hadn't previously expressed any interest in the other brothers.
The second big problem was that someone had apparently blocked Ada from receiving mail at the shelter, so she never heard from her brother... but then Aero's occasional packets of cash could reach her? How??? This inconsistency was annoying. It was further annoying because Aero claims he couldn't remember Ada and wasn't sure if she was a dream, yet he had these moments where he would yearn for her and remember that she was important... and during those times, he would quickly send off some money to help her. But how would he know where she had gone? She didn't tell anyone except her family, and I don't think they'd have told him! And if he wasn't sure whether she was real, why would he have sent cash to someone he wasn't even sure existed? This part of the story really made little sense.
And one last thing, let's talk about the last battle scene. If the person's magic was supposed to be null, then how could they have conjured up a weapon? I was also very annoyed that Ada didn't just end her enemy. She was cocky and over-confident, and wanted to toy with her enemy instead of just getting down to business. Serves her right, she deserved to get injured. Why does this always happen in books, cartoons, and movies?
On to the relationships: I was really glad that Ada didn't cave to the guys immediately and that they had to prove themselves to her. Even though they weren't the ones who rejected her, she was understandably wary and self-protective. I thought she forgave Aero a tad too easily and too quickly. And then! I didn't like that the past seemed to repeat itself all over again! I had to read her being rejected again and accepting it and feeling like crap... ugh!
The way that she had to have sex with all of them quickly to bond them so that the villain couldn't influence any of them (including her) anymore was reminiscent of Ms Soliz's other books, Hemlock Academy and Monsters in my Bed. It seems to be a favourite device of Ms Soliz's: she keeps rushing her characters to have sex and to mate for practical reasons related to the plot. And I don't really like it. I can understand it, but I don't like that the mating is done on a timeline rather than being an emotional, meaningful moment for the characters.
I also didn't quite like the way the four brothers (Tegan, McKinley, Echo, and Holland) grovelled and begged Ava to give them a chance when they first met her. They were crying a lot -- okay, so I like that we're normalising that men can cry. But, I don't know, I wanted to see quiet determination, I wanted to see them care in meaningful ways instead of breaking down her front door when they see a mouse run across the hall outside her apartment. Tegan is supposed to be the alpha of the pack but never once did I see him demonstrate any alpha characteristics or qualities. I didn't see him making decisions or taking a leadership role.
The four guys are rather indistinguishable from one another and don't have any identifying characteristics to set them apart. Nothing that makes them unique.
I'd say it's a decent story. The three stars reflect that it's not to my taste due to the aforementioned reasons, so I didn't really enjoy it. I just don't like to read the FMC being in emotional pain.
After getting rejected by her mate, Aero, on the last day of high school, Ada basically exiles herself because a rejected mate will be unable to shift and the pack would send her away anyway. However, before Aero rejected her, he did have sex with her (I would say trigger warnings for sexual assault, because that scene felt like rape to me) and she ended up pregnant because a wolf can only be impregnated by a fated mate. I did think Ada was strong because she kept going for her son and was doing the best she could to provide for him and to survive.
Then she runs into the rest of Aero's pack, four wolves who recognise her as their mate instantly and want to be with her. And we get the twist which explains why Aero rejected her.
There were two really big problems in this book. First of all, that whole storyline with why Aero rejected her. He was apparently instigated by a person who wanted Ada out of the picture and wanted Aero for themself. Ada was away for seven years before Aero's pack brothers bumped into her. But in all that seven years, the person hadn't solidified their position with Aero and his pack despite apparently wanting it so badly? What was this person waiting for?
Also, at the point when Ada comes back into Aero's life, it appears that this person really only wants Aero. The other brothers don't have a relationship with this person. Yet at the end of the book, this flipped and the person was trying to take all the other brothers, too. That seemed to come out of nowhere, because this person hadn't previously expressed any interest in the other brothers.
The second big problem was that someone had apparently blocked Ada from receiving mail at the shelter, so she never heard from her brother... but then Aero's occasional packets of cash could reach her? How??? This inconsistency was annoying. It was further annoying because Aero claims he couldn't remember Ada and wasn't sure if she was a dream, yet he had these moments where he would yearn for her and remember that she was important... and during those times, he would quickly send off some money to help her. But how would he know where she had gone? She didn't tell anyone except her family, and I don't think they'd have told him! And if he wasn't sure whether she was real, why would he have sent cash to someone he wasn't even sure existed? This part of the story really made little sense.
And one last thing, let's talk about the last battle scene. If the person's magic was supposed to be null, then how could they have conjured up a weapon? I was also very annoyed that Ada didn't just end her enemy. She was cocky and over-confident, and wanted to toy with her enemy instead of just getting down to business. Serves her right, she deserved to get injured. Why does this always happen in books, cartoons, and movies?
On to the relationships: I was really glad that Ada didn't cave to the guys immediately and that they had to prove themselves to her. Even though they weren't the ones who rejected her, she was understandably wary and self-protective. I thought she forgave Aero a tad too easily and too quickly. And then! I didn't like that the past seemed to repeat itself all over again! I had to read her being rejected again and accepting it and feeling like crap... ugh!
The way that she had to have sex with all of them quickly to bond them so that the villain couldn't influence any of them (including her) anymore was reminiscent of Ms Soliz's other books, Hemlock Academy and Monsters in my Bed. It seems to be a favourite device of Ms Soliz's: she keeps rushing her characters to have sex and to mate for practical reasons related to the plot. And I don't really like it. I can understand it, but I don't like that the mating is done on a timeline rather than being an emotional, meaningful moment for the characters.
I also didn't quite like the way the four brothers (Tegan, McKinley, Echo, and Holland) grovelled and begged Ava to give them a chance when they first met her. They were crying a lot -- okay, so I like that we're normalising that men can cry. But, I don't know, I wanted to see quiet determination, I wanted to see them care in meaningful ways instead of breaking down her front door when they see a mouse run across the hall outside her apartment. Tegan is supposed to be the alpha of the pack but never once did I see him demonstrate any alpha characteristics or qualities. I didn't see him making decisions or taking a leadership role.
The four guys are rather indistinguishable from one another and don't have any identifying characteristics to set them apart. Nothing that makes them unique.
I'd say it's a decent story. The three stars reflect that it's not to my taste due to the aforementioned reasons, so I didn't really enjoy it. I just don't like to read the FMC being in emotional pain.
April 8, 2024
The author started strong and then things went a weird direction and it very much felt like an AI episodic after the first major conflict. Even during the first major conflict. Would not recommend.
Read
November 18, 2024DIDN’T READ: I think a lot of her books have ow drama. The ow has magical powers to influence all the mmcs in the pack, which causes one of them to keep going back and hanving sex with her I guess?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 261 reviews